How Azerbaijan Emerged as One of Israel’s Closest Muslim Allies

In a region marked by complex alliances and shifting loyalties, the relationship between Israel and Azerbaijan stands out as a model of strategic partnership and mutual respect. A new report from Israel’s Foreign Ministry highlights the remarkable depth of this alliance, which encompasses security cooperation, economic collaboration, and cultural ties all while Azerbaijan remains one of Israel’s closest Muslim allies.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar praised the partnership as a "unique model of cooperation between a Jewish state and a Muslim-majority country." Azerbaijan, a Shi’ite Muslim nation in the South Caucasus, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to fostering close ties with Israel, defying the broader geopolitical challenges often faced in the Muslim world.

One of the cornerstones of this strong relationship is Azerbaijan’s long-standing Jewish community, which has thrived in the country for centuries. According to the Foreign Ministry report, Azerbaijani Jews have “never experienced antisemitism,” a testament to the country’s exceptional religious tolerance. In the historic "Red Village" of Quba one of the only all-Jewish settlements in the world synagogues and cultural institutions continue to flourish under state protection. Approximately 70,000 Azerbaijani-origin Jews now reside in Israel, serving as a vital cultural and economic bridge between the two nations.

Religious freedom is a hallmark of Azerbaijan’s domestic policy. It is the first Muslim-majority country to formally include education on antisemitism in its school curriculum. Baku actively preserves Jewish and Christian religious sites, setting an example of coexistence rarely seen in the region.

Beyond cultural ties, the alliance between Israel and Azerbaijan is grounded in substantial economic and strategic cooperation. Azerbaijan is a key supplier of oil to Israel, bolstering the Jewish state’s energy security. The collaboration extends to high-tech sectors, including cybersecurity, agriculture, water management, space technology, and advanced industries. Israeli companies, facilitated by Israel’s embassy in Baku, are increasingly engaging in joint initiatives with Azerbaijani partners.

Diplomatic engagement between the two countries is at an all-time high. Israeli ministers have visited Baku, while Azerbaijani officials and President Isaac Herzog have exchanged visits, underscoring the importance of their partnership. These high-level meetings often focus on innovation, security, and strengthening bilateral ties.

However, Azerbaijan’s warm relationship with Israel has raised tensions with neighboring Iran. Tehran has accused Baku of enabling Israeli intelligence activities near its northern border, leading to heightened military exercises along the Azerbaijan-Iran frontier. Despite these pressures, Azerbaijan continues to prioritize its strategic alliance with Israel while navigating its delicate regional relationships.

In a recent diplomatic push, leading rabbis with diplomatic backgrounds petitioned former U.S. President Donald Trump to include Azerbaijan in the Abraham Accords framework. Their appeal highlighted Azerbaijan’s consistent support for Israel and the United States, arguing that Baku deserves recognition similar to other Muslim-majority nations that normalized relations with Israel. They also called for the lifting of outdated U.S. sanctions under Section 907, which restrict American aid to Azerbaijan despite its contributions to regional security.

As the geopolitical landscape continues to shift, the Israel-Azerbaijan alliance serves as a shining example of how shared interests, cultural respect, and strategic cooperation can bridge religious and political divides.

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